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BBC Newshour

In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe.

ATLAS maps movement of asteroids

Losing sleep over killer asteroids? A new system that takes 1000 images a night and can immediately determine if an object is close to earth. Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) can provide one day’s warning for a 30-kiloton “town killer,” a week for a 5-megaton “city killer,” and three weeks for a 100-megaton “county killer.” The first space replicator is now on International Space Station. Parts were designed on the ground, the plans emailed to space, and the part made there. Looking ahead – suppose you could manufacture the construction material from space resources or biological like durable plant materials like wood!